There are many options for the Minnesota Vikings to make trades to get a top quarterback in this year's draft, but not many have thought about the idea of the Vikings making two moves in the first round.
CBS Sports Fantasy managing editor R.J. White came up with a three-team trade proposal involving the Los Angeles Chargers and the New England Patriots that might happen on April 27 during the draft night.
“It looks like the Vikings are ready to do whatever it takes to get in position to pick a quarterback,” White wrote. “I think it will mean making two moves, like the Carson Wentz trade in 2016 where the Eagles moved from No. 15 to No. 8 to No. 2.”
Here are the trade details: The Vikings give the Chargers their two first-round picks this year at No. 11 and No. 23 in exchange for the No. 5 overall pick; then, they would offer the No. 5 pick and their 2025 first-round pick to the Patriots to move up to No. 3.
Getting to the third draft pick would cost three first-rounders, similar to the deal when the San Francisco 49ersmoved from No. 12 to No. 3 for Trey Lance in 2021.
This plan would allow the Vikings to pick one of the top three quarterbacks instead of hoping the Patriots pass on their choice.
Vikings Have a Better Chance Talking Patriots Down in 3-Team Trade
GettyGeneral manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings’ acquiring the No. 23 pick in a trade with the Houston Texans after moving on from Kirk Cousins signaled another trade on the horizon. Nothing has happened, which could mean more moving parts need to play out before the Vikings can cement their spot in the top five.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that New England has not shown an appetite to trade down yet this offseason, however, White’s proposal would make sense for a Patriots team that doesn’t have an ideal situation for a rookie quarterback.
Asking New England to drop just two spots and still pick in the top five could be more palatable for the Patriots — especially with the likelihood of drafting a top-two wide receiver or a franchise offensive tackle in play.
Meanwhile, the Chargers just cleaned house and have many draft needs other than a quarterback. They also picked a first-round wide receiver in Quentin Johnston last year and could use the No. 11 pick to get a great edge rusher, defensive interior lineman, or cornerback. Jim Harbaugh would probably be very happy to start the Chargers with two first-round picks this year.
White’s proposal makes sense for all sides.
Vikings Trade-Up May Not Come Until Draft Night
GettyVikings Draft Night in 2018.
Everyone knows Caleb Williams will be the first pick for the Chicago Bears, but the rest of the draft is waiting to see what the Washington Commanders will do — which could affect the Vikings getting their chosen quarterback.
If the Patriots really like Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels, and Washington picks the Patriots’ guy, a trade-down is likely to happen. But if their guy is still there at No. 3, it's hard to say what New England will do despite better judgment.
The Patriots are currently expected to have a weak offense in the league after not making big moves in free agency and having only three top 100 picks. But if they think a quarterback could lead the team for the next 20 years, they should pick him. bottom-six offense in the league after a quiet free-agency period and only have three picks in the top 100. But if there’s a belief that a quarterback could be your starter for the next 20 years, you take him.
The Vikings may have to wait for the Patriots to meet that moment on draft night.
